Eyeglass securing device and eyeglass apparatus

ABSTRACT

A device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses featuring at least one magnet and a casing formed of an expandable material is described herein. Also, an eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses featuring a pair of eyeglasses and at least one magnet, affixed to or removable from a temple of the eyeglasses, is described. The eyeglass assembly may further feature a casing formed of an expandable material, and the casing may be removable from the eyeglass frames and form a substantial sleeve or tube for engaging and attaching to each temple of the pair of eyeglasses and for securing the magnet to the temple of the eyeglasses. The magnets may be positioned to engage and secure the two temples together when the eyeglass frames are in a collapsed and folded position, removed from the face of the wearer.

This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/419,549, filed Nov. 9, 2016 of which this application is herein specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses. The device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses may be permanently affixed to the eyeglasses for securing eyeglasses or may be removably affixed to the eyeglasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals wearing eyeglasses may wish to remove and replace them multiple times during the course of a day. After removing eyeglasses from the face, many eyeglass wearers often place the eyeglasses in a shirt or coat pocket or hang the eyeglasses from an opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse by inserting a temple piece inside the shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse. However, the eyeglasses may fall from such a position upon bending over. This is dangerous for both damaging and losing the eyeglasses.

Ward, U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,887 teaches an eyeglass carrier clip that may be clipped to a pocket for supporting a pair of eyeglasses by one of its temple pieces. The eyeglass carrier clip requires that the user wear a garment having a pocket suitable for clipping the device.

Grey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,934 teaches a tool and eyeglass holder that may be hung from the neck for holding eyeglasses and a screwdriver and spare screws for repairing the eyeglasses. The holders include a flexible cord or other elongated flexible member each end of which is either directly attached to a loop element or formed into a loop. The loops are respectively connected to corresponding loops at the ends of a tool container for the screwdriver and screws by interlocking the respective loops. A loop element is extended below the tool container for holding a pair of eyeglasses by inserting a temple piece of the eyeglasses through an aperture defined by the loop. Because of the interlocked loops connecting the flexible member to the tool container, the tool and eyeglass holder must be slipped over the head of the user in order to be hung about the neck.

De Cotis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,198 teaches a necklace assembly for holding a pair of eyeglasses that features an elongated flexible necklace for wearing about the neck and an eyeglass-holder assembly connected between the first and second ends of the necklace. The eyeglass-holder assembly includes an eyeglass-holder loop having a receiver loop opening adapted to receive a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses. The assembly further features a first and second swivel linker connected to the necklace and to the holder-loop so that the necklace and the holder loop are rotatably joined. Further, the assembly features a necklace/holder-assembly coupler connecting the first end of the necklace with the swivel linker and a second necklace/holder-assembly coupler connecting the second end of the necklace with the swivel linker. The assembly may be worn about the neck with a pair of eyeglasses in a folded-closed configuration held in the eyeglass-holder loop of the eyeglass-holder assembly with a temple piece extending downwardly from one side of the temple-piece-receiver loop opening and a lens frame of the eyeglasses extending downwardly from an opposite side of the loop opening and with twisting induced in the necklace by movement of the wearer tending to be relieved by rotation of the swivel linkers. The receiver loop is a circle and it is free to rotate with respect to the necklace.

Prestwidge, U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,570 teaches a necklace assembly for holding a pair of eyeglasses featuring a necklace for wearing about the neck having a first end and a second end and a device or holder for holding a temple piece of eyeglasses having a flexible tube in a substantially cylindrical form formed of stitched seed beads and two substantially fixed linkers, a first linker linking the device or holder for holding a temple piece of eyeglasses to the first end of the necklace and a second linker linking the eyeglass holder device to the second end of the necklace. The two substantially fixed linkers do not permit substantial rotation about an axis of the flexible tube with respect to the necklace.

Rattelande, U.S. Pat. No. 9,188,797 teaches an eyeglass system including primary glasses and detachably engageable auxiliary glasses. The auxiliary glasses include a first and second auxiliary lens connected together by a bridge. An aperture is defined in each of the lenses and this aperture extends between the interior and exterior surfaces, and originates in the peripheral edge and extends for a distance into the lens. A connector is provided in the aperture in each of the lenses, and this connector detachably engages the primary glasses. The aperture may be keyhole-shaped and the connector may include a boss that is a complementary keyhole shape. The connector may be provided with a magnet that is attracted to a magnet embedded in a lens of the primary glasses.

It is desirable to provide a device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses to another object, preferably a fixed object, such as a shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse. Such a device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses to another object will advantageously reduce damage or loss of eyeglasses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses to another object, preferably a fixed object, such as a shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse. In some instances, the device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses may be permanently fixed to or embedded within the temples of the eyeglasses. In such instances, device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses provides a magnet of appropriate size fixed to or embedded within the first temple piece of the eyeglasses, one or two or more on the first temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. A second and opposing magnet of appropriate and complementary size and charge is fixed to or embedded within the second temple piece of the eyeglasses, one or two or more on the second temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. The one or more magnets on the first and the second temple of the eyeglasses are positioned so as to engage and secure the temples together when the eyeglasses are in a collapsed and folded position, removed from the face. That is, the one or more magnets on the first and the second temple of the eyeglasses engage each other so that the eyeglasses are secured onto the shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse.

In other instances, the device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses may be removable from the temples of the eyeglasses. In such instances, device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses provides at least one magnet of appropriate size housed within a casing formed of an expandable material. The casing formed of an expandable material may form a substantial sleeve or tube for engaging and attaching to the temples of the eyeglass frames. The at least one magnet of appropriate size housed within a casing formed of an expandable material may be removably secured, one or two or more on the first temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. A second and opposing magnet of appropriate and complementary size housed within a casing formed of an expandable material may be removably secured to the second temple piece of the eyeglasses, one or two or more on the second temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. The one or more magnets housed within a casing formed of an expandable material on the first and the second temple of the eyeglasses are positioned so as to engage and secure the temples together when the eyeglasses are in a collapsed and folded position, removed from the face. That is, the one or more magnets on the first and the second temple of the eyeglasses engage each other so that the eyeglasses are secured onto the shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an eyeglass assembly featuring eyeglass frames and a device or means for securing the eyeglass frames to another object, preferably a fixed object, such as a shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse. In some instances, the device or means for securing the eyeglass frames may be permanently fixed to or embedded within the temples of the eyeglass frames. In such instances, the device or means for securing the eyeglass frames provides a magnet of appropriate size fixed to or embedded within the first temple piece of the eyeglass frames, one or two or more on the first temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. A second and opposing magnet of appropriate and complementary size and charge is fixed to or embedded within the second temple piece of the eyeglass frames, one or two or more on the second temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. The one or more magnets on the first and the second temple of the eyeglass frames are positioned so as to engage and secure the temples together when the eyeglass frames are in a collapsed and folded position, removed from the face of the wearer.

In other instances, the device or means for securing the eyeglass frames may be removable from the temples of the eyeglass frames. In such instances, the device or means for securing the eyeglass frames provides at least one magnet of appropriate size housed within a casing formed of an expandable material. The casing formed of an expandable material may form a substantial sleeve or tube for engaging and attaching to the temples of the eyeglass frames. The at least one magnet of appropriate size housed within a casing formed of an expandable material may be removably secured, one or two or more on the first temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. A second and opposing magnet of appropriate and complementary size housed within a casing formed of an expandable material may be removably secured to the second temple piece of the eyeglass frames, one or two or more on the second temple at any desired position such as, for instance a quarter, a third, half, two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the lenses to the end of the temple. The one or more magnets housed within a casing formed of an expandable material on the first and the second temple of the eyeglass frames are positioned so as to engage and secure the temples together when the eyeglass frames are in a collapsed and folded position, removed from the face of the wearer. That is, the one or more magnets on the first and the second temple of the eyeglasses engage each other so that the eyeglasses are secured onto the shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket or blouse.

Regarding both aspects, the magnets and the casing formed of an expandable material may be provided in any suitable shape or sizes, such as, for instance, a square, a rectangle, an ellipse, a circle, a ball, etc. from 0.10-1.0″ in length and width on all sides and 0.05-0.50″ thick. The expandable material may be, for instance, rubber, plastic, synthetic fabric, polyester, velcro, etc. The casing formed of an expandable material may be adapted to fit around and be attachable to or removable from the temples of any various sizes and shapes of eyeglass frames. The magnets may be any suitable magnets for securing the temples of the eyeglass frames one to the other, and for securing the temples of the eyeglass frames one to the other through a fixed object, such as a fabric forming shirt or coat pocket or opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket, coat or blouse. The magnets may be, for instance, neodymium magnets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses to another object and an eyeglass assembly containing the same are described below with reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a standard pair of eyeglasses showing the components of the same, namely a bridge, end pieces, eye wires or rims, lenses, hinges, nose pads, pad arms, top bar, screws, two temples and temple tips.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an eyeglass assembly featuring eyeglass frames and a magnet for securing the eyeglass frames to another object substantially permanently fixed to each temple of the eyeglass frames.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an eyeglass assembly featuring eyeglass frames and a magnet for securing the eyeglass frames to another object substantially permanently fixed to each temple of the eyeglass frames.

FIG. 4 is another top view of an eyeglass assembly featuring eyeglass frames and a magnet for securing the eyeglass frames to another object substantially permanently fixed to each temple of the eyeglass frames. In this instance, the eyeglass frames are collapsed or folded together so that the two temples are secured by the opposing magnets.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a casing formed of an expandable material for housing the one or more magnets and for removably engaging and attaching to the temples of the eyeglass frames.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an eyeglass assembly featuring eyeglass frames and a casing formed of an expandable material for housing the one or more magnets, removably engaging and attaching to the temples of the eyeglass frames.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an eyeglass assembly featuring eyeglass frames and a casing formed of an expandable material for housing the one or more magnets, removably engaging and attaching to the temples of the eyeglass frames.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a front view of a standard pair of eyeglasses showing the components of the same, namely a bridge, end pieces, eye wires or rims, lenses, hinges, nose pads, pad arms, top bar, screws, two temples and temple tips.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an eyeglass assembly 1 featuring eyeglass frames 2 and a magnet 3 for securing the eyeglass frames to another object substantially permanently fixed to each temple 4 of the eyeglass frames 2.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an eyeglass assembly 1 featuring eyeglass frames 2 and a magnet 3 for securing the eyeglass frames to another object substantially permanently fixed to each temple 4 of the eyeglass frames 2.

FIG. 4 is another top view of an eyeglass assembly 1 featuring eyeglass frames 2 and a magnet 3 for securing the eyeglass frames 2 to another object substantially permanently fixed to each temple 4 of the eyeglass frames 2. In this instance, the eyeglass frames 2 are collapsed or folded together so that the two temples 4 are secured by the opposing magnets 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a casing 5 formed of an expandable material for housing the one or more magnets, having an opening or aperture 6 therethrough, and for removably engaging and attaching to the temples of the eyeglass frames.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an eyeglass assembly 1 featuring eyeglass frames 2 and a casing 5 formed of an expandable material, having an opening or aperture 6 therethrough, for housing the one or more magnets, removably engaging and attaching to the temples 4 of the eyeglass frames 2.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an eyeglass assembly 1 featuring eyeglass frames 2 and a casing 5 formed of an expandable material, having an opening or aperture 6 therethrough, for housing the one or more magnets, removably engaging and attaching to the temples 4 of the eyeglass frames 2.

The figures are exemplary and not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. For example, the devices, means and assemblies of the invention may be of any suitable shape or size or made of any suitable material. It is recognized that these and other changes may be made in the invention specifically described herein without departing from the scope and teachings of the invention. The present invention is intended to encompass all embodiments, alternatives, and modifications consistent herewith. 

I claim:
 1. A device or means for securing a pair of eyeglasses comprising a) at least one magnet; and b) a casing formed of an expandable material, wherein the casing formed of an expandable material forms a substantial sleeve or tube for engaging and attaching to a temple of the pair of eyeglasses and wherein the casing formed of an expandable material secures the at least one magnet therein.
 2. An eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses comprising: a) a pair of eyeglasses; b) at least one magnet.
 3. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 2 wherein at least one magnet is provided on each temple of the pair of eyeglasses.
 4. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 3 wherein the at least one magnet on each temple of the pair of eyeglasses is substantially permanently affixed to each temple of the pair of eyeglasses.
 5. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 2 further comprising: c) a casing formed of an expandable material.
 6. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the casing formed of an expandable material is removable.
 7. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the casing formed of an expandable material forms a substantial sleeve or tube for engaging and attaching to each temple of the pair of eyeglasses.
 8. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the casing formed of an expandable material secures the at least one magnet to each temple of the pair of eyeglasses.
 9. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein at least one magnet is provided on each temple of the pair of eyeglasses.
 10. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 9 wherein the at least one magnet provided on each temple of the pair of eyeglasses is positioned so as to engage and secure the two temples together when the eyeglass frames are in a collapsed and folded position, removed from the face of the wearer.
 11. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the casing formed of an expandable material is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, synthetic fabric, polyester, and velcro.
 12. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the casing formed of an expandable material is adapted to fit around and be attachable to or removable from temples of various sizes and shapes of eyeglass frames.
 13. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the at least one magnet is suitable for securing each temple of the eyeglass frames one to the other.
 14. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 5 wherein the at least one magnet is suitable for securing each temple of the eyeglass frames one to the other through a fixed object.
 15. The eyeglass assembly for securing a pair of eyeglasses according to claim 14 wherein the fixed object is selected from the group consisting of a shirt or coat pocket, and an opening of a shirt, sweater, jacket, coat or blouse. 